Other cars that drives like a 993
05-06-2016, 05:49 PM
#16
Any 911, 996, 997 will have the same basic handling characteristics, the newer the car the more it needs a race suspension to bring back all the feel that was designed out of the newer cars.
05-06-2016, 06:53 PM
#18
Moderator
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
My car before my 997 was an E46 M3 with no sunroof, manual seats and transmission, etc. Basically a stripped version (for DE use). Once I got the alignment and tires just right it had a great almost retro feel, but was still very comfortable and utilitarian. I've driven E36s as well and those were great, just not as refined as the E46. My 964 was quite different from my 993 as others have mentioned.
05-06-2016, 06:58 PM
#19
Rennlist Member
I am sure I will get flamed for this, but agree with some of the members. 964 all day it's more raw then a 993 and yes I have quite a bit of experience with the 993. Handling wise I think they are somewhat similar.
In terms of a unique car to drive that costs thousands less then any air cooled 911 my vote is a Subaru Sti first or second generation. That would be 2004-2007 boxer motor granted it's a 4 cylinder but most put down some pretty good power. Remove the wing if you don't like it, but it's an absolute hoot to drive.
In terms of a unique car to drive that costs thousands less then any air cooled 911 my vote is a Subaru Sti first or second generation. That would be 2004-2007 boxer motor granted it's a 4 cylinder but most put down some pretty good power. Remove the wing if you don't like it, but it's an absolute hoot to drive.
05-06-2016, 07:22 PM
#20
Rennlist Member
If you're looking for something on the cheap, go with a well sorted, modified (full suspension/wheels & tires/bracing/rollbar) Miata. A well modded Miata is an amazing car, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
If your budget is higher, go with an Elise/Exige variant. It's "connectedness" and handling is nearly legendary and is known to be among the best in the world for this very trait.
I contemplated buying an Elise but was dissuaded by the build quality and the fragile nature of the materials. However, from what I've read, it is far more of a driver's car than the 993.
05-06-2016, 08:05 PM
#23
Pro
Not even every 993 handles equal to another 993; some of you guys know this better than I do. It all depends on the suspension set-up, tire type, 2-wheel vs. 4-wheel drive and whatnot, and the differences are huge indeed. And now we are comparing to another brand and model...
Not sure if there is a simple and straight answer to the OP's question.
Not sure if there is a simple and straight answer to the OP's question.
05-06-2016, 08:41 PM
#24
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
These comments seem quite spot-on to me. When I moved from my 2002 street Miata to my race-prepped 993, I often felt that the Miata was far more connected to the road. The Miata is lighter and smaller, of course, but I think that's part of why it feels so good; quite often, I felt this incredible synergy when driving it, and I often marveled at how right the Mazda engineers got the balance.
I contemplated buying an Elise but was dissuaded by the build quality and the fragile nature of the materials. However, from what I've read, it is far more of a driver's car than the 993.
I contemplated buying an Elise but was dissuaded by the build quality and the fragile nature of the materials. However, from what I've read, it is far more of a driver's car than the 993.
Miata, however, makes for a very good street car and a very good to spectacularly good autocross car. I have one of each in addition to a 993.
05-06-2016, 08:44 PM
#25
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Interestingly, the 997s that I've driven reminded me ore of a video game than anything else on an autocross course. Also, they didn't really feel like rear-engined cars, if that makes any sense? In other words, I didn't dare to upset them enough to fee the rear weight bias. It felt that one needs to be really, really dumb to wrap a 997 around a tree - not something that can be said of earlier 911s.
05-06-2016, 08:51 PM
#26
Burning Brakes
I fully concur with Mark. Additionally, Elise is a giant pain to get in and out of, so it would be hard to live with on daily basis. And I'm not a fan of small steering wheel, but that's small complaint.
Miata, however, makes for a very good street car and a very good to spectacularly good autocross car. I have one of each in addition to a 993.
Miata, however, makes for a very good street car and a very good to spectacularly good autocross car. I have one of each in addition to a 993.
Miata + Exige + 993 = Holy Trinity of road cars
05-06-2016, 08:59 PM
#27
997 GT3 and Cayman GT4 are both visceral "driver's" cars like the 993, but still not the same feeling.
Any time I think about great driving cars, there's always a Porsche in any price range that is as good or better.
Any time I think about great driving cars, there's always a Porsche in any price range that is as good or better.
05-07-2016, 12:18 AM
#29
Racer
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Encinitas, CA
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not even every 993 handles equal to another 993; some of you guys know this better than I do. It all depends on the suspension set-up, tire type, 2-wheel vs. 4-wheel drive and whatnot, and the differences are huge indeed. And now we are comparing to another brand and model...
Not sure if there is a simple and straight answer to the OP's question.
Not sure if there is a simple and straight answer to the OP's question.
Track ready and corner balanced feels so good. Drove someone else's "track" 993 and it was downright sketchy and disconnected. The setup was horrid.
